Jannik Sinner is working on his form for the comeback. © ANSA / JOEL CARRETT

“New Impulses”: How Sinner benefits from his suspension

In about two months, Jannik Sinner will be allowed to return to the ATP Tour. But the absence from the big stage does not necessarily have to be a disadvantage for the South Tyrolean.

March 02, 2025

From: never

After Jannik Sinner's suspension was announced, the first projections were not long in coming: What would have to happen for the South Tyrolean superstar to lose the number one spot? Surprisingly, however, the competition around Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz dropped a lot of points, meaning Sinner will most likely return as world number one - and possibly with a big advantage over his rivals.

The three-time Grand Slam winner has two months ahead of him, which he can use entirely for preparation. In a sport that takes athletes around the world for eleven months a year, this is a rare opportunity. As his fitness coach Marco Panichi now told Sky Sinner explained that he is now using this time off to focus on aspects that he hardly had the opportunity to focus on during the two-week preparation after Christmas. He described the program as "almost like athletics."

Sinner coach: “It will be a new experience”

Instead of complaining about the interruption, Sinner's team sees the suspension as an opportunity. "Having so much time allows us to focus intensively on the characteristics and conditions we want to improve," explained Panichi. "Knowing that we can take so much time for certain things is an important impulse. It will be a new experience."

Jannik Sinner sets new impulses. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MINAS PANAGIOTAKIS

However, the mental aspect should not be ignored during this time. "We also have to consider the motivational aspect," said Panichi. "It will be an important boost, and it is also a new experience for the mind. I am grateful that I still have so much time at my disposal despite this certainly unwanted situation."

Fitness as a crucial point

At best, Sinner will benefit from the special emphasis of his preparation at the French Open (May 25 to June 8). Endurance and strength play an immense role, especially in long matches, which can sometimes go over five sets in Grand Slam tournaments - and Sinner has shown room for improvement in recent years, as was evident in last year's French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.

This is exactly where Panichi and Co. want to start in the coming weeks. At the beginning of the training program, the focus will be on work in the gym, only later will Sinner concentrate on the rallies on the court at the Country Club Monte Carlo.